Lead Security Architect

Job Description

We are now recruiting for a Lead Security Architect to support the Chief Information Security Officer in growing and developing AJ Bell’s security capabilities.

The Lead Security Architect will set out the frameworks for ensuing business and technology change are secure by design and by default. Leading a team of Security Architects, they will play a lead role in designing and implementing security controls and processes across the AJ Bell group. 

What you'll do

• Subject matter expertise for security best practice, ensuring the maintenance of the confidentiality, integrity and availability of AJ Bell’s systems and data.
• Engaging with business leaders to ensure security is adequately represented within their changes and initiatives.
• Design and implementation of enterprise security technology controls and platforms.
• Supporting and advising on projects and change initiatives to ensure that there is no negative impact on our security posture.
• Carrying out internal security reviews both on solutions we develop in house and third-party solutions.
• Supporting audit and due diligence activities within Technology Services.
• Establishing frameworks and patterns for the efficient and effective delivery of security controls.
• Working with Information Security, Infrastructure and Enterprise Architecture to define security standards.
• Acts as an integration point between the CISO and AJ Bell business and technology teams to ensure security is embedded across the organisation.
• Deputising and act as the voice of the CISO as required.

What you'll have

• Demonstrable experience of implementing enterprise security platforms.
• Able to rapidly identify the key risks within change projects and recommend appropriate management controls.
• Previous experience of delivering and maintaining of technical enterprise security solutions for End Point Protection, Cloud Security, Network Security, DevOps, Security Monitoring & Remediation is advantageous.
• Strong understanding and knowledge of Information Security risk management tools and techniques.
• Experience of security governance and compliance.
• Demonstrable understanding of Information Security control standards and frameworks e.g. ISO27001, NIST, PCI DSS.
• Excellent communicator, able to translate complex topics to all areas of the business.
• Ability to challenge approach, strategy and implementation to ensure Information Security is consistently considered and improved.
• Ability to work under own initiative to plan and communicate effectively with colleagues and customers.
• Structured, self-starting, flexible and enjoy working in fast-paced environments.
• Attained CISSP or similar certification.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in an Information Security role, gained in a financial services or e-commerce environment is preferred.

About us

AJ Bell is one of the fastest-growing investment platform businesses in the UK offering an award-winning range of solutions that caters for everyone, from professional financial advisers, to DIY investors with little to no experience. We have over 542,000 customers using our award-winning platform propositions to manage assets totalling more than £86.5 billion. Our customers trust us with their investments, and by continuously striving to make investing easier, we aim to help even more people take control of their financial futures.

Having listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in December 2018, AJ Bell is now a FTSE 250 company.

Headquartered in Manchester with offices in central London and Bristol, we now have over 1,450 employees and have been named one of the UK's 'Best 100 Companies to Work For’ for six consecutive years.

At AJ Bell you can expect a friendly working environment with a strong sense of teamwork, we have a great sense of pride in what we do, and this is reflected in our guiding principles.

Our perks and benefits

• Competitive starting salary
• Starting holiday entitlement of 27 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service
• Holiday buy and sell scheme
• A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 8%
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Annual free share awards scheme
• Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme
• Health Cash Plan – provided by SimplyHealth
• Discounted private healthcare scheme and dental plan
• Free gym membership
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike loan scheme
• Sick pay+ pledge
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Loans for travel season tickets
• Death in service scheme
• Dedicated time for proof-of-concepts and assessing new tech
• Support to attend conferences, events, and meet-ups
• Paid time off for volunteer work
• Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice
• Calendar of social events, including monthly payday drinks, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more
• Personal development programmes built around you and your career goals, including access to personal skills workshops
• Ongoing technical training
• Professional qualification support
• Talent management programmes
• Peer recognition scheme, with rewards including restaurant and shopping vouchers or time off
• Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches
• Casual dress code
• Access to a range of benefits from our sponsorship deals

Hybrid working

At AJ Bell, our people are the heart of our culture. We believe in building strong connections by working together. That's why we offer a hybrid working model, where you’ll spend a minimum of 50% of your working time per month in the office. For new team members, an initial period will be full-time in the office to help you immerse yourself in our business and build valuable relationships with your colleagues.

AJ Bell is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and all employees are empowered to bring their whole self to work.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, religion, physical and mental disability, marital status and any other characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010. All decisions to hire are based on qualifications, merit and business need.

If you like the sound of the above, or just want to know more about the company and the role, we'd love to speak to you.